Chronic sinusitis affects over 37 million Americans a year. It is the most common chronic condition in the United States today and is often difficult to treat with medications, such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants, since they can be so drying and irritating. The tension in the head and face created from sinus congestion can cause miserable feelings, and the presence of too much congestion that won't drain can exacerbate the recurrence of colds as well as infection. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and environmental conditions, such as molds, can cause sinusitis.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery describes chronic sinusitis as "a prolonged sinus infection; one that usually lasts for more than three months ... when you breathe in through your nose, the sinuses (which are air-filled) act like a filter, which creates mucus. The mucus traps smoke and other particles in the air that may be detrimental to our health before these can reach the Lungs. When excessive irritants produce overabundant mucus, even a sinus well formed and positioned for drainage can be overwhelmed, with a growing pressure inside producing pain and a sense of swelling. Overflow may clog the nose or flush it, by "sniffles." Its position may allow an affected sinus to misdirect pain to another area that shares a common nerve. For example, pressure in a maxillary sinus (beneath the eye) might send throbs of pain down the cheek toward the mouth, producing a kind of toothache. The eyes may also feel irritated from pressure in a maxillary sinus. A chameleon disease with symptoms mimicking those of other conditions, sinusitis may combine with chronic rhinitis, particularly in response to allergens. Breathing through the nose may become impossible. On the other hand, nasal stuffiness and headaches from other causes are often wrongly blamed on sinusitis.
Generally, a sinusitis condition will last more than 10 days and could also cause a discharge of thick yellow/green mucus, nasal congestion, and facial pain/pressure. There is no known 'cure' for chronic sinusitis. Treatments may resolve the condition over time, but may not help prevent a recurrence. Some simple practices like drinking abundant fluids can assist sinus drainage by moistening and thinning mucus. Vaporizers, sometimes fortified with menthol or eucalyptus preparations can enhance this process. Some people report that home remedies like chewing horseradish or drinking soups made with garlic can help. The Chinese often make congees, a thin rice soup cooked with herbs like ginger and other decongesting herbs to help break up congestion and heal sensitive tissues.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are sinus discharge; post-nasal drip; headache; hearing problems; ear infection; a sinus cold; or sinus allergies that won't go away (or that come and go). Often it's not apparently acute, but over time, it really puts a burden on the immune system - especially in immunocompromised people - and if left untreated, it can lead to serious infection requiring strong antibiotics.
There are four main treatments a Western doctor prescribes:
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers treatment approaches to sinusitis in both early and late stages. In early stages without severe infection, I often use treatment as an alternative to Western therapies. In later stages, I often combine therapies in a complementary manner. Chinese medicine practitioners often use acupuncture, Chinese or Western herbs, sinus washes/steams, and massage as basic treatment. I personally find acupuncture to work wonders immediately for clearing the sinuses and relieving pain. Nutrition, including diet and nutritional supplements, are also a major part of the treatment plan. Your unique condition will be evaluated at time of treatment, and a treatment plan will be recommended that will accomplish long-term recovery from sinus congestion, pain and infection. Below is further elaboration on some, not all, of the specific point and herbal protocols used to treat sinusitis. Chinese Differential Diagnosis The following diagnoses are found in chronic and acute sinusitis:
Acupuncture Treatment The following acupuncture points are often used for chronic sinusitis:
These points are chosen based on differential diagnosis:
Apply white flower oil under the patient's nose during treatment (not too much for sensitive skin). Acupuncture treatments should be considered at least twice a week for acute or difficult situations. Nasal Wash A nasal irrigating bulb or glass nasal douche can be performed in several ways. I recommend the following techniques: Use a mild salt-water solution in a glass nasal douche to gently clean sinus passages. Use sea salt or kosher salt. Do not use commercial salt with chemicals that keep it flowing! Use spring water that is not chlorinated; filtered water; or boil tap water to destroy the chlorine. Warm water feels much more comforting than cold water; too warm is painful. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water. Work up to 2 teaspoons of salt per cup. Warm water may also be used alone. Using a glass nasal douche (available at some pharmacies), gently pour several drops into each nostril and tilt the head. Let the solution run into the sinuses or down the throat. If the solution stays in the sinuses, spit it out of the mouth with any phlegm that may be in the solution. Repeat 3-5 times each side. Be careful not to force the solution into the sinuses with too much pressure, especially if the client has a cold and stuffy nose. With ear congestion, be very gentle and use small amounts of water to begin.* The areas with damaged tissue may feel a sharp sensation, which only lasts a few seconds. In time, this discomfort will subside as the tissues heal. The benefits are worth the temporary sensation. The sinuses will begin to drain, and as old build-ups begin to work loose, phlegm of various colors and consistencies will be discharged. There may be some blood in the phlegm initially as well. Herbs
Add herbal essential oils to hot water (in a portable mug or in a simmering kettle), a vaporizer, essential oil atomizer,or in a sink. Cover your head with a towel tent, close the eyes and breathe in. The solution also may be applied to a washcloth covering the face. In addition, oils can be applied below the sinuses and breathe in steam. I use white flower oil applied to the chest or below the nose, white flower is a blend containing eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, lavender and wintergreen, and is not only effective but smells wonderful. Massage Acupressure can be performed on the sensitive spots on the forehead; hairline; cheeks; nose; ears; palate; and LI 4. The points mentioned above also may be used for sinus massage. Reflexology massage on the fingers and toes is beneficial. For blocked ears, massage behind the ears with white flower oil. I recommend clients perform self-massage to the facial area. Conclusion If done consistently for two to three months, using the above treatments in the clinic along with home self-care can have profound healing effects on chronic sinus infections; allergies; asthma; chronic coughs; or post-nasal drip. * Note: Patients with ear infections should not do the sinus cleanse until the infection has cleared. References |
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